VANCOUVER, July 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Andrew Saxton, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and for Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament (North Vancouver), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced support for a new collections management initiative at the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park.

"While we are building a great new national museum at the future Canadian Museum of History, we are also supporting other organizations across the country, like the Vancouver Aquarium, who are stewards of shared natural history," said Mr. Saxton. "As part of the new Canada History Fund, our Government is committed to making digital resources available to Canadians so that they can learn more about Canada. These invaluable online resources are an important resource tool for teachers and classrooms all across the country."

Funding will allow the Vancouver Aquarium to implement a new digital content accessibility system that will preserve and protect digital media collections. The system will allow the Aquarium to store and manage its 65,000 digital media assets, which will modernize the development of exhibits, school programs and research efforts using digital media. The plan is to provide the general public with access to some of these collections so they can tell their own stories using the stunning pictures and videos of the natural world.

"Beginning on Canada Day 2013, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will mark the first-ever Canada History Week," added Minister Moore. "During Canada History Week, I encourage all Canadians to visit a museum, tour one of our great national historic sites, or speak to a veteran, and learn what makes Canada the united, strong, and free country we live in today."

"After years of planning, we're pleased to receive vital funding from the Government of Canada to help create a much-needed digital media asset management system," says Jeff Heywood, Vancouver Aquarium director of content. "This system enables us to preserve impactful images and footage of Canada's natural history, along with the amazing conservation work we lead at the Aquarium. It also sets the foundation for a publicly available access point for Canadians to use in the future."

Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is a non-profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. The Aquarium is well-known for its conservation programs such as its nation-wide Ocean Wise™ program and Marine Mammal Rescue Centre. Since opening its doors in 1956, more than 40 million people have visited the Aquarium.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $40,280 through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.